Thames RIB Experience

Time Out says

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4 out of 5 stars

Time Out says

Hurtling about the Thames in a RIB (rigid inflatable boat) at 30 knots (roughly 35mph) is the closest thing we’ve got to a white-knuckle ride in central London. Thames RIB Experience is run by a husband-and-wife duo new to the boating business, so everything, including the choice of cap’n, is done with encouraging caution. Lifejackets and waterproofs are provided, and you’re in for a ticking off should you even think about standing up in the boat. It takes just under 40 minutes to travel from Westminster to Tower Bridge. Then the turbo engines kick in and you’re off, bumping about in the open water between Tower Bridge and Canary Wharf, turning in terrifyingly tight figures of eight. It’s the quickest, most thrilling way to travel the Thames.

Excellent experience! We chartered a boat for a team building event and I cannot recommend it enough. It has a great mixture of information on London and pure fun - hurtling down the river to the theme tune of James Bond! I have already planned to take my boyfriend back!

I was bought this for my birthday and paid for my husband to come with me. We did the Thames Flood Barrier trip and when booking I thought it was a bit expensive but actually having done the trip think it was certainly worth the money. Our guide and driver Michael and Mark were friendly and very informative about the sites on the trip and were very cheery. Having been on other river "cruises" this was by far the best and when they crank up the speed it is certainly good fun. We had a lovely day weather wise and certainly left with big smiles on our faces. I would do it again and recommend it - unless you have a tendency to sea sickness in which case I certainly wouldn't recommend it. I would advise you to check what time you should be there before the scheduled time of the trip. I was told 1.45 for a 2pm trip but was being chased by phone and email at just after 1.30pm to find out where we were and were the last people there so maybe should have been told an earlier time. All in all though a great experience.

We were bought an indoor sky diving experience as a wedding gift but never got round to using it so I upgraded our voucher to do this trip instead for my hubby's birthday.

We were offered jackets but as it was a warm day, declined them. We didn't get wet although it was a little chilly once we were out in the open. Life vests are a must and nice to see the staff checking that they were tight enough.

Definitely a fun way of seeing the sights without spending an hour travelling slowly up the Thames. Not sure we got the most informative guide as he did point things out but didn't seem that enthusiastic.

Once we'd cleared the river police, the skipper let the throttle go. We had 2 young boys on ours and whilst I assume that's as fast they go, hubby did say 'shame we didn't go faster!' We bounced around, went 45 degrees onto our side and really enjoyed it.

Not sure we could justify the cost to do it again but for those who don't enjoy 'boring' trips, worth the money to have a good giggle.

I bought this trip as a birthday present for my boyfriend (we are 23 and 24) and we both absolutely loved it! It was a fantastic experience from start to finish.
When I first rang up to book the time and date, the member of staff I spoke to, Emma, was lovely and genuine and very helpful. I spoke to her again the day before to confirm our trip and was again impressed with her attention to detail.
The trip itself was fabulous - a whistlestop tour of the monuments and buildings along the banks of the Thames, complete with sometimes terrible jokes (!), followed by a complete adrenaline rush when they opened up the throttle!
A truly memorable experience that I would recommend to anyone - my boyfriend and I left with smiles plastered to our faces!

Brought as a present for my Dads 70th birthday. I had to join him to! I am 46. What a trip. Great commentary from start to finish. Interesting,factual and funny. But the best part is once you go under tower bridge and the engines are wound up. Wow, what a buzz. Great control and the speed is amazing. No feeling of sickness as it skids over the waves. Will defiantly do this again. There were some youngsters on the boat, about 7 ish and they loved it also. Thanks to all concerned for a great trip.

I took my 8 year old grandson today - what an experience. We both loved it, he was singing the James Bond music all afternoon. Exhilarating experience that he wants to repeat as soon as possible. Thanks to all the members of the group who helped make it a memorable half term.

We had booked the experience for my son's 10th birthday and have to say it was an amazing experience. The trip was fantastic and exciting and also took in some amazing sights, such Big Ben, London Eye and Canary Wharf. The tour guide Michael was excellent and really made the trip with his quirky facts and info on key landmarks along the Thames. I would say it is a must if you are visiting London and looking for something a little different.

Was given a voucher for the Thames Flood Barrier trip for my birthday - awesome present. Apart from having to rearrange trip due to lack of passengers, this was a an amazing experience. You get a real adrenaline rush swerving left and right, bouncing down the river. Totally different sightseeing trip. And they played 'Happy Birthday' on the way back. If you get the chance you have to do this - I would love to do it again. Brilliant - thanks.

This was one of the best things I have done in London and I highly recommend it. The whit of the tour guide makes the 12 knot zone (between bridges at the beginning) very funny , they have an interesting twist on the usual historical facts of London via the Thames. You soon hurtle (a la James Bond themed music) to Tower Bridge, after which the high speed (35 knots) excitement kicks in. Through a mixture of laughing, screaming and heart pounding, fun music is played to build the suspense. The 'skipper' as he became fondly known as, quickly turned the boat at hair raising angles to really get those tummies moving. My 9 year old could not contain his excitement and me and my husband loved it. It cheered us all up no end. I also have to add from start to finish the company was so helpful and efficient, they even warned us about the London bike ride on the day we went. Truely excellent and so refreshing to find such a fantastic experience. Thank you RIB.

From beginning to end, we were thoroughly impressed by Thames Rib Experience. As a client event we booked one Rib taking 12, a mixture of staff and clients so Health and Safety a priority, no need to worry it was all catered for with Insurance documents and waterproofs provided if necessary!!
We booked the James Bond experience and had the music playing and a quiz to test our knowledge with a cocktail shaker as a prize! Down to the O2 arena at high speeds when allowed, it certainly was a thrilling ride!
Our clients loved it and so did we, thanks to all of the team for their hard work and to the pilots who certainly know their stuff. Well worth doing we thoroughly recommend it and have photos to prove it!

We turned up at 17.55 for a 18.00 ride. They had already left and that was the end of the discussion. I will not be using them, recommending them or booking again - ever. Save your money and go with another operator that can tell the time! Terrible customer service.

Awesome! Great Customer service, they even stayed on the phone to dhelp me find a parking spot!
I thought this was an awesome ride as well, I was late and they even came back to pick me up! very cool! in the winter make sure you wear a good pair of ear muffs or something :) Loved it all the way. thanks guys!